Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use System5®?

The roll of material is cut-to-size, meaning you can choose the length of material you
need based on the height of the decedent. Cut the desired portion of material, leaving about
one foot of material at the head and foot. Once the Thermosealer has been heated for about 10
minutes, seal each of the 4 edges, including the pre-sealed edge. At each corner, press the
Thermosealer diagonally to ensure you have a fully hermetic seal. The presence of channels lets
you know the bag has been sealed properly.

System5® is made of a flexible metal material that is welded together with
the Hand-Held Thermosealer. When used as directed, this creates a fully hermetic seal.

What are the dimensions of the bag?

Each System5® roll is cut-to-size, meaning you can choose the length of
material you need based on the height of the decedent. Rolls of material are 150 feet long by
36” wide.

If you need to seal a bariatric decedent or a casket, the material can be doubled to create
an extra large bag. To do this, cut two lengths of material at the desired size, taking care
to leave enough material at each end to leave room for sealing the bag closed. Open the material
like a book, then seal each side of the material together around the decedent or casket. Use
the Thermosealer on each end to create a fully hermetic seal.

What is the weight capacity of the bag?

The weight capacity is 400 lbs.

When should System5® be used?

System5® is considered a heavy-duty body bag, and was designed to offer a
fully hermetic option that cannot be promised by a traditional zippered body bag. Each pouch
can be heat sealed, making it ideal
for use with highly infectious remains, bioterrorism, and advanced decomposition.
System5® shaped the United States CDC requirements as the middle bag for use
with Ebola-infected remains.

What is the roll’s shelf-life?

Each System5® roll comes with a 49-year shelf life to give you a
trustworthy long-term storage option for disaster preparedness.

What if it is necessary to reopen the bag after it is sealed?

Because System5® is heat-sealed, it is possible to reopen the bag once it
is sealed. Cut at one end, then reseal with the Thermosealer to create another fully
hermetic seal. We do not recommend reopening the bag in the case that infectious or
potentially hazardous remains are enclosed.

How will I know if the sealed bag has been tampered with?

System5® was manufactured with tamper-proof graphics on the outside of
each bag to ensure you are aware if someone has opened and resealed the bag. When creating
your hermetic seal, press the sealer along the edge on the line marked “1—1—1”, etc. If the
bag has been tampered with after your initial seal was created, you will see that the bag
was cut past your seam and only the line marked “2—2—2”, etc is showing.

Was System5® really used to bag the first US Ebola
death in Dallas?

Yes, Mr. Thomas Eric Duncan’s remains were contained using System5® in
Dallas, Texas in October of 2014. Dr. David Patterson of Global Mortuary Affairs, along with
others in the field, were called to respond to the death of Mr. Duncan and remove his remains
in a safe and respectful manner. Dr. Patterson has spoken on the subject in late 2014 and
early 2015 to detail his actions, most famously during a CANA Ask The Expert webinar titled
“The First Ebola Death in the USA.”

There was a piece done by
the San Diego Union Tribune detailing how System5® played a roll in the
first US Ebola despite the CDC's guidelines that were in place at that time.
The
CDC regulations have since been updated to include a "chlorine-free material impervious to
fluids that can be heat-sealed around the body to form a leakproof body bag," otherwise known as
the System5® material, which is the only military tested and proven bag on the
market at this time.

Where has System5® been used in the past?

Because of the trustworthy containment System5® offers, it has been used
to contain remains from many major disasters throughout the last 15 years. These include the
tsunamis in Thailand and Japan, all major airline crashes, Hurricane Katrina, and the terrorist
attack on September 11, 2001. We also have a broad list of clientele ranging from funeral
services and crematories to disaster preparedness agencies, hospitals, and even militaries
throughout the world.

Do I need special training to use System5®?

Yes and no. While the System5® material is easy enough to be used by
anyone, we do want to make sure you know how to create a fully hermetic seal as safely and
effectively as possible. Before using the material, we recommend watching the
System5® Training Video on our How-To page. And let us
know if you have any questions!

Can I use the BioSeal Thermosealer on any plastic bag to seal
human remains or specimens?

No, we do not advise use of the BioSeal Thermosealer or any other hand-held heat sealer to
contain human remains. Heat sealers can become very hot — too hot for most traditional
plastic bags designed for trash or other use.

Is the bag cremation-safe?

Yes, the material used to manufacture System5® is 100% cremation-safe.

What temperature does the Thermosealer need to be set to?

To properly weld the System5® material together, we recommend using the
Thermosealer at its highest setting, level 8. Let it heat up for approximately 10 minutes prior
to sealing the bag.

Is the bag chlorine-free?

Yes, System5® material is made of a chlorine-free plastic and is safe for
cremation.